Last year Peter Curtis, from Sunderland-based NE Sport, also campaigned for the ground to be put to better use for sporty youngsters in the area.

Sunderland AFC confirmed they were exploring options for development, but have no definitive intention for the site.

A Sunderland AFC spokeswoman said: “We are exploring opportunities with Story Homes in relation to land in Whitburn owned by the club.

“At such time as we have a clear intention for the site, we will communicate this with the public”.

Story Homes confirmed they would be keen to build new homes on the site.

A spokeswoman for Story Homes said: “Story Homes is promoting the development of new homes on land north of Cleadon Land in Whitburn, which is owned by SAFC.

“At this stage, we are committed to discussions with the South Tyneside Council and the Whitburn Neighbourhood Forum in parallel to these parties progressing their emerging local plan and neighbourhood plan respectively.”

South Tyneside Council confirmed no application has been received to date.

A spokeswoman said: “Local planning authorities have a duty to determine planning applications in accordance with adopted planning policy.

“That policy is the Local Development Framework for the borough and this site is in the designated green belt.

“There has not been an application submitted for development on the site.”

Now 80, Cork-born Charlie was once voted SAFC’s Player of the Century. The centre-half spent 12 years at Roker Park and was capped 40 times by the Republic of Ireland.